U.S. State Parks Encourage Visits with ‘First Day’ Hikes

The parks are smart for aligning their marketing with the health-minded resolutions of Americans, although the long-term effectiveness of the messaging is unknown.

— Samantha Shankman

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On New Year’s Day 2014, the state park systems in all 50 U.S. states will encourage Americans to get outside and visit their local park.

The First Day Hikes program was started more than 20 years ago at a state park in Massachusetts and this year marks the third time that all 50 state park systems are participating.

According to recreation.gov, the program was created to “promote both healthy lifestyles and year-round recreation in state parks.” It also kickstarts the parks’ marketing and engagement efforts for the year.

Some states offer guided hikes and history programs while others highlight the difficulty or lengths of trails that visitors can trek alone.